Ask the Experts

How do I keep Windows Defender definitions current?

Administrators in charge of keeping antivirus software up to date have a few options to protect their servers. Learn about the methods and services to use with Windows Defender Antivirus. Continue Reading
How does Windows Defender Antivirus protect against malware?

Microsoft offers Windows Defender Antivirus as its native tool to prevent malware attacks. Discover how it works and what advanced protections it provides. Continue Reading
What DPM monitoring options are there?

Administrators tasked with checking the status of System Center Data Protection Manager have a few choices, some of which are better suited for larger DPM deployments. Continue Reading
How do I build data protection policies in SCDPM 2016?

One size does not fit all when administrators develop a protection policy for specific applications. Learn about the configuration options in System Center DPM 2016. Continue Reading
How does Data Protection Manager 2016 save and restore data?

Data Protection Manager 2016 works with a wide range of enterprise applications, but administrators need to be aware that some backup types do not work with every program. Continue Reading

What are the key System Center DPM 2016 features?

System Center Data Protection Manager 2016 defends a range of systems with the ability to send backups to multiple targets for enterprises that need ways to recover data rapidly. Continue Reading
Azure Resource Manager templates ease private cloud struggles

Azure Resource Manager aims to streamline cloud application deployment and management. But do admins have to jump through hoops to use this feature? Continue Reading
How far does the Microsoft Server Management Tools suite go?

Microsoft SMT is a free Azure-based tool that offers remote Windows Server management, but there are some limits to this cloud service. Continue Reading
Will Azure Stack features and functionality be the same as Azure?

Microsoft plans to release Azure Stack by mid-2017 to bring the Azure platform down to Earth -- but don't expect all the features in Microsoft's cloud to appear right away. Continue Reading
Use the Group Policy settings reference guide to avoid disruptions

With Windows Server's updates to Group Policy settings and templates comes a danger for administrators: users flooding the help desk with tickets. Continue Reading
What improved in Service Management Automation, Orchestrator 2016?

Migrating to Service Center 2016 requires a good deal of preparation and work. Are the features in Orchestration and Service Management Automation better in Service Center 2016? Continue Reading

What's new with Group Policy administration in Windows Server 2016?

Windows Server 2016 includes a suite of new Group Policy settings. These settings allow admins to manage mobile app access and set numerous security policies. Continue Reading
How can administrators improve WSUS performance?

The Windows Server Update Services utility helps to update numerous systems, but it can require significant bandwidth. What are good ways to reduce the demands? Continue Reading
Which Microsoft OMS license is best for my IT deployment?

What do you get for your money -- and for free -- when using the Microsoft Operations Management Suite to handle workloads running in different environments? Continue Reading
What kind of log analytics does Microsoft OMS perform?

Microsoft OMS features 'solution packs' that track resource usage, which can help administrators plan for future capacity needs. Continue Reading